Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo lauded the nearly complete Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom during his visit to Governor Umo Eno.
Underscoring the state’s Maintenance, Repairs, and Overhaul (MRO) facility’s strategic importance, both conducted a thorough inspection.
In Nigeria, Keyamo described the MRO as a pioneering achievement during their comprehensive examination of the terminal and MRO facility.
Highlighting it as the country’s finest sub-national construction, Keyamo emphasized Akwa Ibom’s commitment to advancing aviation capabilities for both domestic and international flights.
He stressed that the MRO is positioned to serve not just Nigeria but also West, East, and North Africa, expanding its regional impact.
Governor Eno’s dedication to completing these projects earned special acknowledgment from Minister Festus during the inspection.
Focused on crucial areas like the MRO, upcoming terminal building, and newly constructed taxiway, the inspection contributed to the airport’s growing prominence.
Keyamo’s MRO,Smart Terminal Observations:
“This is an incredible facility you have here! One of the first things I identified when I came into office was the need for us to have a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria and what I have seen here, meets that need. The potentials of this place are huge. It’s about 90-95 percent complete and by the time it becomes fully operational, I am very certain it will capture the whole of the markets in West and Central Africa and even up to North Africa and that’s what we have been looking for.”Keyamo said
“One of the problems hampering the operation of the aviation sector in Nigeria has always been the lack of facilities such as this. Our aircraft will go out of the country for maintenance and may be there for months. But with this facility, we can conserve foreign exchange so they may meet their international obligations.
“There are two projects currently ongoing here: The new International Terminal Building and of course the MRO. It’s not just a terminal building, what I am seeing here is a hub. It’s a proper hub where we can process international passengers and transfer them from one section to the ether for them to catch their international flights. What we have here is a hidden jewel, but it’s all for the good of our dear nation.
Governor Eno’s Imperative:
Governor Eno actively seeks collaboration with the Federal Government to maximize the airport’s potential amid these ambitious developments.
“What we have here is already an aviation ecosystem that Nigeria can work with and compete with the rest of Africa and indeed the world. We know and believe that whatever else remains to be done, the Honorable Minister will direct the appropriate agencies and departments under his Ministry to follow- through.” Governor Eno said
This aligns with the government’s broader vision for advancing the aviation sector, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for national benefit.
Recognizing the Akwa Ibom Government’s commitment, Minister Festus marks a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure, positioning the airport as a pivotal hub for African air travel.
Earlier, Chief Operating Officer of the Airline, George Uriesi, gave an enthralling presentation of the growth of Ibom Air which set the tone for the inspection.
The Minister was in company of the Ag. Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, and other top government officials. They toured the MRO facility,  the first of the 10 Airbus A22-300 Series recently delivered and the Smart International Airport Terminal.
